Analysis of the “lone wolf” phenomenon in the context of the Leaderless Resistance Strategy

• Published in: Scientific Journal of the Military University of Land Forces
• Main Author: Justyna Doroszczyk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Military University of Land Forces 2019-04-01
• Subjects: terrorism; Anders Breivik; leaderless resistance strategy
• Online Access: http://zeszyty-naukowe.awl.edu.pl/gicid/01.3001.0013.2592

The article presents an analysis of the phenomenon of a terrorist – a lone wolf in the context of the leaderless resistance strategy. The aim of the article is to show that individual terrorism is a basic element of the leaderless resistance strategy. The research problem is the impact of the leaderless resistance strategy on the actions of individual terrorists who organize and carry out a terrorist attack without the support of a terrorist organization. According to the leaderless resistance strategy, an individual is sufficient to organize and implement a terrorist attack. The Leaderless Resistance Strategy assumes maximum decentralization. The key is the existence of individuals who, sharing a particular worldview, are capable of independent organization and launching an attack. When attempting an attack, a lone wolf is appropriately motivated ideologically, but does not maintain contact with the hierarchy of the organization, and thus enhances the effect of intimidation of the society. Individual terrorism, based on the leaderless resistance strategy, is becoming the most popular form of terrorism. An element of the Leaderless Resistance Strategy are operations carried out by lone wolves, small groups or cells regardless of the support of official organizational structures.